Popular questions

Question
Possible coolant in my oil but no oil in the coolant. Use about 1 l of coolant per 100km.
Check the transmission fluid. If all testing eliminates the head gasket, cracked cylinder head, etc, it may be a cracked radiator.Transmission fluid is sent forward to the radiator to be cooled. Ir runs into what is typically called the "side...
Question
Steering wheel is locked and key won't turn. Gas pedal is stiff... What to do
Hi Ronelle. Thanks for writing in tonight. Usually when the key won't turn and the steering wheel is locked, the issue is with the ignition cylinder (where the key is inserted). There are a few things you can do to...
Question
High pressure side of A/C is low (30 psi)
Hi there. It sounds like the AC compressor internal valve or the compressor itself has failed and is allowing refrigerant to sit freely and preventing pressure from accumulating; no suction and no discharge equals same pressure on both sides. You...
Question
How to use Napa 85-200 12V. 1 Amp. This battery charger is slow.
Hi there. When you get a Napa 85-200 12 volt 1 amp battery charger, first you will need to check the battery for the water level. This is done by removing the caps to the battery. (Warning: Do not remove...
Question
What do the Shift position indicators mean?
The shifter in your vehicle has six positions: P, R, N, D, 2, and 1. When the shifter is set to any of these positions, the corresponding light will illuminate. Here’s what each position means: 1. P is Park. When...
Question
What does the Service Traction Control message mean?
The Service Traction Control message can appear in the driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, there is an issue with the traction control system (TCS), and your vehicle needs to be serviced. After the TCS issue...
Question
How much AC Flush is required for a vehicle flush?
You should not need more than 1 quart of flush. The brand does not matter. They are all made from the same chemicals.
Question
Where is the oil pump located?
The oil pump is behind the harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley and is bolted (approximately 8-10 bolts) to the front of the engine block. Prior to suspecting an oil pump fault, use an external pressure gauge to measure actual oil pressure at...
Question
Car not starting after being parked on flooded street
The water may have been high enough to get the starter and wiring wet. I would suggest trying to jump start the vehicle after it has been allowed to dry out for a day or two to see if the...
Question
Where are the accessory power sockets located?
Need to plug in your cell phone charger? Want to connect an aftermarket GPS unit? No problem – there are two accessory power sockets in your Accord. Lift the small lid on the left side of the center...
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What do I do when the MAF isn't creating enough ground to the ECM module?
Hi there. First, check the harness connection on the sensor for any burned or corroded pins. That will cause a restriction and make the power drop. If the harness is good on the plug end, then disconnect the harness from...
Question
How do I apply the parking brake?
The parking brake is an important tool and can help take stress off your transmission, while ensuring that your car stays in one place on an incline. To use the parking brake, follow these steps: Locate...
Question
I have a 2002 chevy avalanche z71 it won't move forward in any gear,but it will move in reverse
Check to see if any diagnostic trouble codes have been stored in both the PCM and TCM. Check the fuses in the circuits that power the transmission controls. Occasionally, a short in a sensor such as an oxygen sensor will...
Question
Need to find out how to set timing on balance shaft assembly.
Rotate the crank until the number 1 cylinder is at top dead center. Make sure to replace the adjustment shims exactly as they came out, on the seat faces of the balance shaft assembly. Line up the marks on the...
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What can cause my oxygen sensor to get damaged during a oil change and fuel system cleaning?
Hi, thanks for writing in. The oil change would not damage an oxygen sensor. The fuel system cleaning could possibly cause this condition, but it depends on the cleaner type and mixture. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic...
Question
How do I turn on the fog lights?
The fog lights provide extra visibility in foggy weather conditions. To use the fog lights, first turn on the headlights. Then rotate the fog light band (located on the turn signal lever) to the on position. Tips When the high...
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My truck is leaking oil and won't start. I tried jumping it before I found the oil leak under the truck.
Hello. It sounds like you have two different issues here. Most of the time the oil leak will not keep it from starting unless the oil is getting on a sensor such as the crankshaft sensor. I usually start with...
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Why does an Hummer H3 oil change cost more? 2003 Hummer H3
Hello - the H3 has a 6-quart oil change capacity, which is more than most engines these days (4 or 5 qts), and synthetic oil is recommended. These are the only 2 logical reasons for increased oil change cost. Hope...
Question
Check Engine Light is on - P0302 and P0304. Ignition coil recently replaced.
The two Diagnostic Trouble Codes, P0304 and P0302, refer to cylinder misfiring. A faulty ignition coil, spark plug, wire, and so forth can cause a cylinder to misfire but there are other possible causes, too. Consequently, the only way to...
Question
advancetrac and car wont start
Traction control faults do not normally prevent a car from starting but it is possible that in your circumstance a "global" electrical problem is preventing the car from starting and the traction control warning lights are just an artifact (and...
Question
2011 chevy equinox service stabilitrak system and ABS light came on at the same time
In order for either system to work correctly they depend on the same sensors to work correctly. If one system has a failure then the other system is also disabled and light is turned on. You will need to have...
Question
Lost keys locksmith replaced and programmed key started once w ont start agaib
Hi Terri. Thanks for contacting us today. There are a few possible reasons why this would happen, but in most cases, it's due to a security system glitch that activates after the recently programmed key connects to the ECU. While...
Question
Service ABS System, Traction Control System and Service Stability System
Hello. These systems are interconnected, since both of them can control individual wheel brake functions when operating. It is likely that one of the speed sensors are failing. To have this verified, have a qualified professional, like one from YourMechanic,...
Question
What does the Slip indicator light on the dash mean?
Your Altima has a traction control system that’s responsible for providing assistance during certain types of driving. The Slip indicator light should blink at certain times. If the vehicle stability control system is operating (actively assisting with handling), you’ll see...